ENEMIES OF BEES. 287 



BATS AND MICK. 



Hats and mice are never troublesome, except in 

 cold weather. The entrances of all hives standiiig out 

 are too small to admit a rat. It is only when in the 

 house that much damage need be apprehended. They 

 appear to be fond of honey, and when it is accessible 

 will eat several pounds in a short time. 



Mice will often enter the hive when standing on 

 the bench, and make extensive depredations. Some- 

 times, after eating a space in the combs, they will 

 there make their nest. The animal heat created by 

 the bees will make a snug, warm place for winter 

 quarters. There are two kinds: one the common 

 class, belonging to the house ; the other called " deer- 

 tnouse" — the under side perfectly white, the back 

 much lighter than the other kind. The latter seems 

 to be particularly fond of the bees, while the first ap- 

 pears to relish the^ honey. Whether they take bees 

 that are alive, or only- such as are already dead, I 

 cannot say. Only a part of the bee is eaten ; and if 

 we take the fragments left to judge of the number 

 consumed, the circumstance will go some ways to prove 

 the sacrifice of quite a number. Whether bees or 

 honey is wasted, a little care to prevent their depre- 

 dations is well worthy of bestowal. As rats and mice 

 have so long since been condemned and sentenced for 

 being a universal plague, and without a redeeming 

 trait, I will say nothing in their favor, and am per* 

 fectly willing they shall be hanged till dead. 



